We are bombarded by news of intolerance, division and indifference - showing a small act of kindness is a great way of supporting this charity because it has 'kindness' at the heart of its foundation, which every year provides free "Warm in Winter" gift bags and "Purple Pages" information packs to older, vulnerable, and lonely people to combat loneliness and isolation, particularly for those who are cold at home. They also deliver Christmas gift boxes to older people spending the festive season alone.

I have given myself 4 months to go from struggling to swim 25 meters in a pool, running out of breath and energy to swimming 2 Miles in open water at The Serpentine in Hyde Park on 20th September.
I am finding learning to swim properly a real challenge - swimming is so technical, but I am determined to finally complete the last challenge of 3 events forThe London Classics Medal.
(awarded to those who have completed London Marathon, Ride London and 2 Mile Serpentine Swim)


This challenge is way out of my comfort zone. Getting the wetsuit on and wearing a swim cap was hard enough - so I'm not sure how this is going to go, other than give it my all for a great cause.

If you could spare the cost of a coffee or two from your daily routine and donate, that would be an 'act of kindness' that could go a long way towards making someone cold and lonely feel warm and wanted this winter. Darren Batchelor